Sedgwick County COVID-19 Daily Update – April 21, 2020

Please view the recorded report here: https://youtu.be/OsKA7hHJimw

COVID-19 Overall Case Count
Confirmed cases in U.S. as of noon April 21, 2020, Johns Hopkins University & Medicine
Confirmed cases in Kansas and counties as of noon, April 21, 2020, Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Confirmed cases in Sedgwick County as of noon, April 21, 2020, Sedgwick County Health Department

• Number of confirmed cases in the U.S. increased from 761,991 to 788,920
• Number of confirmed cases in Kansas increased from 1,986 to 2,025
• Number of confirmed deaths in Kansas: 107
• Number of confirmed cases in Sedgwick County increased from 250 to 283⁺
• Number of confirmed cases in periphery counties:
  • Harvey County: 5
  • Butler County: 12
  • Cowley County: 1
  • Sumner: 3
  • Reno County: 14

Sedgwick County COVID-19 Case Count
This table is generally updated daily after noon, after KDHE updates are shared.

⁺There are two duplicates recorded in data from KDHE and other confirmed cases may not be reflected in KDHE numbers.
*A person is considered recovered from COVID-19 72 hours after symptoms stop or seven days after symptoms start, whichever is longer.

Sedgwick County Health Department Update

• The criteria for testing have been revised. Residents can be tested if they have a fever and at least two other symptoms of COVID-19. There are no restrictions on age or underlying condition.
• KDHE reports that as of noon, April 21 more than 2,500 residents have been tested for COVID-19. The Health Department is currently taking samples of residents who meet the criteria to be tested for the disease. There were 85 people scheduled to be sampled by the Health Department today.
  • We have the capacity to test more people in the County than what we could do previously.
  • Residents are encouraged to call United Way of the Plains at 2-1-1 if they think they should be tested for COVID-19.
  • If residents have general questions about COVID-19 they should call United Way of the Plains at 2-1-1.
  • For up-to-date information, please visit sedgwickcounty.org.

Sedgwick County Updates

• Current orders in place:
  • Governor’s order banning public gatherings in excess of 10 people is in place until May 1.
  • Governor’s stay-at-home order is in place until May 3.

• Residents may also use the online testing site locator to find a facility nearby that may take samples to test for COVID-19.
  • Outside of the Health Department and emergency departments, there are local health care facilities that can take samples to test.
  • Before being tested please call United Way of the Plains 2-1-1 to set up an appointment.

• View a breakdown of COVID-19 cases in Sedgwick County by a variety of data points at sedgwickcounty.org.
  • This information is reflective of the residents seeking testing for COVID-19 and may not be a full representation of the disease in Sedgwick County.
  • This information will be updated and expanded based on the increase of COVID-19 cases in our community.

Prevention Measures

• Stay home
• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Cover all coughs and sneezes
• Maintain social distancing – keep six feet of space between you and others
• Limit public gatherings to 10 people or less

Face Mask Guidance

• KDHE notes that homemade masks may be another tool along with the above prevention measures to keep people from unknowingly spreading the virus.
• Use this acronym when considering safe homemade mask use:
  • Multi-layered, tightly-woven 100% Cotton.
    • Use a thread count of 180 or higher. Don’t buy surgical or N95 masks.
  • Avoid your face and remove it from behind.
    • Never touch the front of the mask, and always remove it from behind your head.
  • Scrap it if it’s damaged, soiled, or doesn’t fit.
    • Make sure it’s breathable and fits snug. Don’t use it while it’s damp, wet, or dirty.
  • Keep the mask and your hands clean.
    • Wash your hands before you put the mask on/after you take it off. Wash or dispose the mask after every use.

Mental Health Support

• COMCARE of Sedgwick County is offering a Support Line for individuals who may be experiencing an elevation in mental health symptoms.
• Individuals may call (316) 660-1111 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• They’ll receive resources, coping skill ideas, and encouragement to keep doing what they need to do to stay healthy, emotionally and physically.
• Residents who are experiencing a mental health crisis should call (316) 660-7500.

Donation Requests

• If you are a business and would like to offer support/ donations to keep our public safety and healthcare workers safe, there is a list of ongoing needs at our website, sedgwickcounty.org.
• Contact Sedgwick County Emergency Management at (316) 660-5959 to donate.

All questions from media should be directed to Public Information Officer Kate Flavin at (316) 660-9370 or kate.flavin@sedgwick.gov.